1.In 2 Timothy 4:6 Paul stated that his life would soon end. 2.He also stated in vs.7 that he had served the Lord faithfully. 3.In vs.8a Paul mentioned the "crown of righteousness" that the Lord would give him at the judgment. 4.(vs.8b) The Lord will give the same reward to all who love His appearing. 5.In our lesson we are studying the instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. 6.The context (vs.2-6, 23) shows that these instructions relate to the Lord's return. 7.Our approach to these instructions will determine whether we really love the Lord's appearing.
Discussion:
I.(vs.16) REJOICEEVERMORE
A.Similar admonitions are given in Philippians 3:1a; 4:4. B.Most people are able to rejoice when things go well in their lives; however, Christians are to rejoice "evermore." C.The Christian's joy is an inner peace of mind that he experiences because he has a right relationship with God -- it is not based on external circumstances. D.One thing that will help us to rejoice evermore is to . . .
II.(vs.17) PRAYWITHOUTCEASING
A.To help us understand what this means, consider Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2. B.We must be like Jesus who prayed often. C.Prayer shows that we depend upon God and not on ourselves. D.As we pray we must remember to . . .
A.God is the source of the many blessings we enjoy (James 1:17). B.We must express our gratitude to Him (Ephesians 5:20).
IV.(vs.19) QUENCHNOTTHESPIRIT
A.(Ephesians 6:17) The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. B.(Hebrews 3:7) The Spirit speaks through the Scriptures. C.We quench the Spirit if we turn a deaf ear to what He says. D.Rather than quench Him, we must "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). E.Closely related is the next admonition.
V.(vs.20) DESPISENOTPROPHESYINGS
A.Prophesyings: messages from God B.We must not despise messages from God because they were given for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16). C.We must not blindly accept what we hear -- we are to . . .
VI.(vs.21) PROVEALLTHINGS;HOLDFASTTHATWHICHISGOOD
A.All things are to be put to the test. B.The Bible is the standard by which we determine what is good or bad. C.If something is proved to be good, we must hold fast to it. D.If something is proved to be bad, . . .
VII.(vs.22) ABSTAINFROMALLAPPEARANCEOFEVIL
A.According to 2 Corinthians 5:10, we will be judged on the basis of our works. B.We must be sure that our works have been good and not evil.
Conclusion:
1.One day Jesus is coming back. 2.For those who love the Lord's appearing, that will be the greatest day of all. 3.What does your approach to these instructions say about your love for the Lord's appearing?
